OCES

OCES Appoints Bridgewater Resident as Home Care Program Assistant Manager

March 15, 2023 // by admin

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Elizabeth Nolan, a resident of Bridgewater, MA has been promoted to Home Care Program Assistant Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns.

In her new role as Home Care Program Assistant Manager, Nolan will plan, organize, manage, and evaluate Home Care Program operations and assigned care management staff. She will work with the Home Care Program Care Manager to ensure coordination, quality, and consistency across the program.

Nolan began her career at OCES in 2013 as a Care Manager in the Home Care Program where she evaluated and assessed need for home care services by an applicant under the home care program. She was then promoted to Home Care Program Supervisor and for the next six years, she oversaw Care Management Staff, provided training, and ensured program compliance and quality.

Nolan holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and has also earned a Supervision and Leadership Certificate from Boston University Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER).

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES Appoints Bridgewater Resident as Home Care Program Assistant ManagerRead More

OCES Offers Building Better Caregivers Virtual Workshop Beginning March 7th.
Registration Now Open

February 15, 2023 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns is offering a free, six-week Building Better Caregivers™ virtual workshop which will be held March 7 through April 18, 2023, from 1-3 p.m.

OCES’ Healthy Living Program presents the Building Better Caregivers (BBC) workshop for caregivers who are caring for someone with serious injury or illness, dementia, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder or a serious brain injury. The workshop will be held via Zoom, which is more convenient for many caregivers.

This highly interactive, small group workshop is led by two trained facilitators, one or both of whom are or have been a caregiver.

The Building Better Caregivers™ workshop helps caregivers in a number of ways, such as:
– Managing challenging situations
– Communicating more effectively
– Dealing with difficult emotions and stress
– Feeling more confident
– Setting long and short-term goals

“Caregiving can be an extremely demanding job, and caregivers may experience significant stress, as well as isolation and burnout,” explained Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, Chief Executive Officer of OCES. “This informative workshop offers training in how to provide better care, while also helping caregivers learn how to manage their own emotions, stress and physical health.”

To register, call Pat Livie, OCES’ Outreach Education Specialist at 508-584-1561 ext. 373 or Donna Forand, OCES’ Healthy Living Program Coordinator at 508-584-1561 ext. 237.

To learn more about OCES’ extensive programs and services, visit www.ocesma.org.

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES Offers Building Better Caregivers Virtual Workshop Beginning March 7th.<br>Registration Now OpenRead More

OCES Announces Special Holiday Menus in December for Community Dining and Meals on Wheels Recipients

December 8, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WAREHAM, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has announced special holiday meals will be offered at Community Dining sites and home delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients in December.

On Friday, December 23, 2022, OCES has planned a delicious Holiday Meal featuring roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots and a snowflake roll along with apple crisp for dessert.

This special Holiday Meal will also be served at Community Dining sites and a Grab & Go Holiday Meal option will also be available at designated congregate meal sites by signing up in advance with the local Council on Aging.

For the third year in a row, Covanta will provide special Holiday Meals and OCES will deliver them to older adult consumers in the Nutrition program at the Wareham Council on Aging (COA) and to all residents of the Wareham Housing Authority. OCES cannot thank Covanta enough for their ongoing support.

Nutrition Program
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a nutritionist. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, it is often the only social contact of the day. A connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay.

Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/.

For a list of Community Dining meal sites, visit https://www.ocesma.org/community-dining/. Please call the meal site to make a reservation.

For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561.

Please note menus are subject to change.

About Covanta
Powering Today. Protecting Tomorrow.
With locations in Massachusetts and beyond, Covanta’s mission is “To build a safer, cleaner, more prosperous world by ensuring no waste is ever wasted.” To learn more, visit https://www.covanta.com

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES Announces Special Holiday Menus in December for Community Dining and Meals on Wheels RecipientsRead More

OCES has been awarded an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team Grant. The agency is expanding older adults’ access to behavioral health services and supports.

December 5, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has been awarded an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA). Funding for EMHOT has been produced from a grant awarded to the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

With this funding, OCES is expanding their scope of in-home services to include behavioral health services and support for older adults who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.

Deana Andrade, LICSW and OCES’ Behavioral Health Supervisor will oversee these services and the EMHOT program as the agency expands to provide these critical services.

OCES’ EMHOT is trained to support individuals coping with a variety of behavioral health issues. The team is skilled in assessing individuals 60 years of age and older for risk and symptoms that may affect their ability to achieve a positive sense of health and wellness. The Team is trained to use the industry’s best practice methods for assessment, interaction, and interventions.

OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults 60 and older who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing.

OCES provides support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis. The agency began accepting EMHOT referrals in November.

“We would like to thank Massachusetts Councils on Aging for this generous grant which essentially enables OCES to expand in-home services and provide older adults access to behavioral health services and supports,” explained Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

OCES provides vital information, resources, and coordination of services that promote healthy and safe living, and which aid their consumers in staying active and engaged in their lives and in their own communities for as long as possible.

To learn more about OCES’ services, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES has been awarded an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team Grant. The agency is expanding older adults’ access to behavioral health services and supports.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund helps older adults in critical need. Fundraising campaign now underway.

October 20, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… With significant increases in the cost of food and energy and a growing number of individuals needing emergency assistance throughout greater Plymouth County area, the non-profit agency Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has kicked off an Emergency Fund campaign to support those most vulnerable in the community.

OCES’ Emergency Fund provides older adults and individuals with disabilities a place to turn to when faced with an emergency that threatens their health and/or living situation.

Whether it’s an emergency medical equipment, inability to pay for necessary medication, home heating fuel or utilities, or another urgent situation, OCES’ Emergency Fund helps meet the needs of at-risk low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in a crisis or emergency situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their independence, dignity and well-being.

“Through our Emergency Fund, we have been able to help many older residents in the 23 communities we serve with critical issues such as an empty oil tank, an emergency bill, prescriptions or the purchase of unexpected medical equipment, short-term emergency shelter, and medical transport,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO. “We anticipate there will be significant need, particularly this winter, as higher heating costs may be the tipping point for many older adults who are already at-risk.”

OCES’ goal is to raise $10,000 for the Emergency Fund campaign. Thank you to the Law Office of Paula M. P. Schlosser, as all donations made prior to November 28, 2022, at midnight will be matched.

OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. To make a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund online, visit www.ocesma.org/donations/
Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund helps older adults in critical need. Fundraising campaign now underway. Read More

Chief Programs Officer at OCES Named a “40 Under 40” Honoree

October 3, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is a 2022 honoree of Cape & Plymouth Business’ 40 Under 40.

On September 15, 2022, at the 40 Under 40 award celebration held at the Cape Codder in Hyannis, MA, DeLage was honored among other distinguished young business leaders who have made a mark in the region. Cape & Plymouth Business presented DeLage as one of the 2022 honorees for excelling in her industry and showing dynamic leadership characteristics.

DeLage is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Leadership, both from Wheelock College. She began her career at OCES in 2014 as the Home Care Program Manager and was promoted to Program Director in 2016. In 2020, DeLage was promoted to Chief Programs Officer and oversees the agency’s community programs including Adult Family Care, Senior Care Options, Housing, and Nutrition in addition to Home Care, Intake and Referral and Transitions. She is instrumental in OCES’ Internship Program which partners with Bridgewater State University and other local institutions.

DeLage also serves on the Community Benefits Advisory Committee of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth and is on the Board of Directors for the Brockton Visiting Nurses Association.

Outside of work, DeLage is passionate about supporting families navigating the foster care and adoption systems in the state of Massachusetts. Being an adoptive parent herself, DeLage recognizes the complexities of these systems and uses this knowledge to advocate appropriately.

“Alisa is an exceptional leader who is dedicated to supporting older adults and OCES’ mission,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer at OCES. “Congratulations, Alisa on this well-deserved honor!”

DeLage is a resident of Berkley, MA.

About the 40 Under 40 Awards
The Cape & Plymouth Business 40 Under 40 Awards program continues to recognize the tremendous contributions of young professionals to our region. For more information, visit capeplymouthbusiness.com.

Chief Programs Officer at OCES Named a “40 Under 40” HonoreeRead More

Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer of OCES, Honored as she Retires

August 22, 2022 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, announced that Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OCES, has retired from the organization after 26 years.

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan honored Ms. DiGiorgi for her leadership, dedication and commitment with an official Proclamation for her 26 years of service during a celebration that included the agency’s Board of Directors and staff at OCES’ Brockton office on Main Street.

Ms. DiGiorgi, who holds an MBA from Northeastern University, began her career at OCES as Finance Director in 1996. At that time OCES had 9 programs, an office on 1 floor of their current building, 80 employees and $7.9 million annual revenue. After her appointment to CEO in 2006, succeeding former Executive Director Edward Donovan, DiGiorgi expertly led OCES through a period of rapid growth and expansion of services and programs, along with increased staff and offices. During this time, she also held positions of Treasurer and Vice President on the Mass Home Care Association and served as co-chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) Committee on Elder and Chronic Homelessness, working to build partnerships that enhance coordination to maximize housing and service resources.

In 2017, OCES’ Board of Directors announced senior management restructuring and made changes to build upon the agency’s strong positive reputation, while continuing to meet consumers’ increasing needs, embracing new opportunities, and encouraging growth within the organization. Ms. DiGiorgi took on the new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to concentrate primarily on internal business operations and Nicole Long was appointed CEO to concentrate primarily on external relationships.

A Legacy for the Community
During DiGiorgi’s tenure, OCES was honored with several awards and experienced many milestones. In 2007, OCES received the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. In 2009, OCES received the Economic Development Impact Award presented by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, OCES’ Adult Family Care (AFC) Program was awarded a three-year Accreditation status, the highest award available, from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Milestones included creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. Healthy Living Workshops and other programs were launched. OCES opened a second office on South Meadow Road in Plymouth, which also houses its dedicated Volunteer Center. DiGiorgi oversaw the purchase and several renovations of the Main Street building which serves as OCES’ corporate office and reflects OCES’ longtime business, economic and community commitment to downtown Brockton.

By 2019, OCES had expanded to 20 programs, two offices, and 244 staff and $58.9 million in annual revenue.

“Diana’s vision, leadership and compassion truly set her apart and it has been an honor working with her over the years,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “Diana played an integral role in building a solid foundation for OCES, upon which we will continue to broaden our reach and expand access for generations to come. Congratulations Diana, and best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement!”

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org

Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer of OCES, Honored as she RetiresRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Hosts Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony

July 12, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, HALIFAX, HANOVER, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, AND PLYMOUTH, MA…More than 150 volunteers recently attended Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston. Eight volunteers received special awards.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, honored their volunteers, who generously donate their time to help others, with a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Armindo Rocha, Volunteer Programs Manager and Cidalia America, Volunteer Program Assistant hosted the event and presented President’s Volunteer Service – Lifetime Achievement and Annual Gold awards along with OCES’ Make A Difference awards to the eight volunteers.

OCES is a National President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Certifying Organization. The PVSA honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes the impact they make. The PVSA’s highest honor, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing 4000+ volunteer hours in a lifetime, was presented to two volunteers. Joseph Tyler Jr., a resident of Halifax, MA, has impacted others with his smile and sense of humor for many years as a volunteer; and Bill Raymond, a resident of Middleboro, MA, who volunteers by transporting seniors to their medical appointments regardless of location and will volunteer 8 hours a day driving if needed.

The PVSA’s Annual Gold Award, marking 500+ volunteer hours for the year, was presented to four volunteers: Steve Sundell of Easton, MA, a SHINE Counselor for 12 years; Fred Ciliberto of Hanover, MA, a volunteer for many years at the Hanover COA; Walter Hempel of Duxbury, MA, a long-time volunteer of both the Duxbury COA as well as the Project Gurnet & Bug Lights, Inc.; and John Ruthkowski of Duxbury, MA who has been involved with AARP tax preparation for several years, devoting well over 700 hours each year to the Kingston and Duxbury COAs to prepare taxes for more than 250 clients.

The Make a Difference Award is given by OCES and the RSVP-PC to recognize exceptional volunteers for their dedication to helping others making a big impact on the community. This award was presented to: John Durnan of Duxbury who has been traveling to Brockton to deliver meals since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020; and G. Mike Pauley of Brockton who is a longtime volunteer at the Caffrey Towers and Campello High Rise buildings in Brockton and was instrumental in delivering meals during the pandemic.

“We truly appreciate all of our volunteers for their dedication to helping others, assisting those in need in our communities, and making the world a better place,” said Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Manager.

More about the PVSA
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.

As an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee, OCES receives funds through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for volunteers age 55+. RSVP of Plymouth County (RSVP-PC) volunteers help OCES and other local agencies that are OCES Community Service Partners.

Volunteering for OCES
Our Volunteer Program supports OCES and other Community Service Partners. With the help of Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 1,800 meals each weekday as part of its MOW Program. Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, MMP and RSVP Community Advisory councils and contribute with many other important efforts.

To learn more about becoming an OCES volunteer contact Armindo Rocha at 508-584-1561 x355 or visit ocesma.org.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Hosts Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards CeremonyRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New ASAP Programs Director

July 10, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WHITMAN, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has appointed Jodie McDonald as Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) Programs Director.

In her new role, McDonald will oversee management of Home Care, Information and Referral, and Nursing departments. This includes assisting with procedural and policy implementation along with changes for departments based on EOEA contracts and regulations and collaborating with department management to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. She will also facilitate trainings and assist with quality assurance and compliance.

Previously, McDonald served as an Adult Family Care Manager at Cardinal Cushing Centers in Pembroke, MA where she conducted home visits with developmentally disabled individuals and their caregivers. For two years prior to that, McDonald was the Assistant Director of Home Care and Medicare at South Shore Elder Services (SSES) in Braintree, MA where she supervised Home Care and Medicaid case managers and supervisors, assisted with compliance and quality measures, and oversaw SSES’ ANCHOR Program.

McDonald received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Framingham State University and a Master of Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She is a member of PSI CHI, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

She is a resident of Whitman, MA.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New ASAP Programs DirectorRead More